I love the process of planning a trip or going on vacation. I enjoy mapping out the details of the agenda and the excitement it brings knowing the fun that lies ahead for those traveling with me.
I think of year-end planning or goal setting in the same manner and with a similar process. I always love reflecting on the year past and look forward to where the new year may lead in my business. It is exciting for me to think through what the journey of opportunity and growth will look like when I turn the page on a new year. I realize this may not be “fun” to others, but the eternal optimist in me just knows everything is going to turn out roses.
As we say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023, I have already begun thinking about the plan for the year ahead and the process of determining what a great trip we are going to have. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a while, setting goals can help you stay focused, motivated, and on track to achieve the success you want. Without planning and goal setting it may just be a wish list which is not going to get you very far down the road.
Here are a few tips for creating goals for you and your business in 2023
Think about goal setting as starting with the end in mind.
If you haven’t thought out your 5 or 10-year goal, I recommend you go through the process to set your vision. We have written a couple of articles on creating your vision, and just did a great session on the EOS model for setting and creating your vision. Once you have your vision set, you should start the journey to work backwards to answer the question of “what do I need to do in the next 12 months to accomplish our 5 or 10-year goal?”
Start by brainstorming.
Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish in the coming year. Consider your long-term vision for your business, as well as any short-term challenges or opportunities you may be facing. Write down as many ideas as you can, and don’t worry about filtering them just yet. Next, try to put these into 3-5 big categories and then define the actual goal once you have boiled down the list.
Be specific and measurable.
Once you have a list of ideas, start turning them into specific, measurable goals. For example, instead of setting a goal to “increase sales,” set a goal to “increase sales by 20% by the end of Q2.” This will help you track your progress and know when you’ve achieved your goal.
Make your goals attainable, but challenging.
It’s important to set goals that are realistic and achievable, but also challenging enough to push you out of your comfort zone. Consider your resources, skills, and experience when setting your goals, and don’t be afraid to seek help or advice if you need it.
Create a plan.
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to create a plan to achieve them. Break your goals down into smaller, actionable tasks, and schedule them on your calendar. This will help you stay organized, on track, and ensure that you’re making progress towards your goals on a regular basis. Here is a link to the EOS vision and traction organizer to help you with your 2023 plan.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating meaningful goals for your business in 2023. Here’s to a successful and prosperous new year!
